Clearance Caps

59FIFTY, 9FORTY, 9TWENTY: the shapes New Era

New Era, founded in 1920 in Buffalo, New York, names its caps according to their shape. The 59FIFTY, designed in 1954, is closed, fitted and has a flat visor: since 1993, New Era has exclusively supplied caps worn on the field by Major League Baseball players, hence the Authentic On Field mention of the Padres and Giants models. The 9FORTY has a structured crown but is adjustable at the back with a strap and features a curved visor. The 9TWENTY, soft and unstructured, fits the head and becomes worn-looking over time.

The other clearance items

The accessories clearance also includes:

• Beanies.

All clearance items are gathered on the accessories page.

Kangol, from flat cap to Tropic

Kangol, an English brand, added a stiff visor to its wool beret in the 1950s: thus, its famous flat cap, named 504 after the block number of wood on which it was formed, was born. The kangaroo logo arrived in 1983, as American customers were asking for kangaroo caps in stores. Adopted by 1980s New York hip-hop, these flat caps come in the Tropic Ventair, in breathable mesh that allows air to flow through. The Flexfit wool caps and the Twill Army in cotton take on the baseball shape with an inner elastic band that adjusts without a strap.

Streetwear and organic cotton

Beyond baseball teams, the selection includes streetwear caps. Avnier, founded in 2014 by rapper Orelsan and an artistic director, features understated models with discreet logos. Armedangels, a German brand, works with organic cotton, as seen on the Yenaas Bold with bold embroidery. Alpha Industries, founded in 1959 as a supplier to the US military, transposes its military codes to the Acid cap. The Nike Club, with a curved visor and adjustable strap, and the Nike Future showcase sporty simplicity, while Barts, Pepe Jeans, and Project X Paris complete the range with urban cuts and tone-on-tone embroidery.

Head size and fitting for a closed cap

A closed cap is chosen based on the exact head size: wrap a tape measure around the forehead and ears, at the point where the cap will sit, then refer to the brand's guide with that measurement. A size seven and a half 59FIFTY, for example, corresponds to a head size of about fifty-nine and a half centimetres. If between sizes, opt for the larger: a cap that’s too tight leaves marks on the forehead and causes pain in the head. The adjustable models, with strap or snapback, cover a wide range of head sizes and fit both children and those with unusual head shapes.

Frequently asked questions

How to wash a cap in the machine without damaging it?

Hand washing is safer, but a cotton cap can withstand a delicate thirty-degree programme, kept in a dedicated plastic support. Avoid the tumble dryer and let it dry on a rounded form, like a ball.

How to store caps without deforming them?

Stack them by nesting the crowns inside each other, or hang them from the strap on wall hooks. Avoid putting a heavy item on a flat visor and store them away from a source of heat.

Why doesn’t a cap suit everyone?

It all comes down to the shape of the crown: a tall and structured crown elongates a round face, while a low and soft crown softens a long face. The flat visor sharpens the features, while the curved visor rounds them off.

Should the visor of a New Era cap be curved?

It’s a matter of style: the flat visor, worn as is, is a streetwear code, while the curved visor recalls baseball fields. To curve it, gently roll it over itself and hold it with an elastic band overnight.

What is the sticker on the visor for?

On New Era caps, the gold sticker indicates the size and guarantees the authenticity of the cap. Many leave it on for style, while others remove it: peeling it off gently by hand doesn’t damage the visor.